New Assemblyman Joe Patterson announces legislation to combat fentanyl crisis

As state Assemblyman Joe Patterson, R-Rocklin took the oath of office Monday as the new representative for the 5th Assembly District in Sacramento, he vowed to prioritize issues and problems facing his constituents. The Rocklin resident pledged to fight for the quality of life that residents enjoy in Placer and El Dorado counties while ensuring that his constituents have a voice in the State Legislature. Patterson represents the new 5th Assembly District, which includes Roseville, Rocklin, Lincoln, Granite Bay, Auburn, North Auburn, Loomis, Meadow Vista, Newcastle, Penryn, El Dorado Hills, Cameron Park, Diamond Springs, Placerville, Shingle Springs, Auburn Lake Trails, Georgetown, Cold Springs and Coloma. "As a father of four, I have always believed that families should have the opportunity to raise their children in a safe and prosperous place, while feeling they always have a voice in Sacramento," Patterson said. "Serving my community on the (Rocklin) City Council as mayor, I am eager to bring my local experience and the voices of my constituents to the State Capitol." Within an hour of being sworn into office, Patterson introduced two bills, Assembly Bill 18 and Assembly Bill 19, to combat the state's fentanyl crisis. The two bills are part of a bill package that Patterson plans to introduce as the Fentanyl Crisis Legislative Package. "The real epidemic in my district is kids' access to deadly counterfeit pills. Fentanyl-related deaths in Placer County increased 450 percent between 2019 and 2021 with half of the victims being under 25 years old," Patterson said. "Placer County's one pill can kill campaign has done tremendous work and I am committed to addressing the most pressing concerns in my district and that starts with the safety of our kids and young adults." Assembly Bill 18 provides written notice to a person convicted of trafficking Fentanyl that he or she might be convicted of murder if, as a result of selling the drug, another person dies. This measure will provide a legal deterrent to drug dealers. Assembly Bill 19 requires each school to have at least two doses of Narcan onsite to be available to aid students suffering from an opioid overdose or poisoning. This measure will ensure that schools are prepared for the potential of a fentanyl overdose.